In-Box Review

Introduction

Legend Productions have released the 1/16th scale offering of their US Navy SEAL M79 Gunner. The 1/16th scale 3D sculpted figures cast in resin offer the modeller a high end figure with a very high level of detail and realism. Legend Productions has informed us that 3D sculpted means that they master is created with 3D software and a 3D master is then printed before being cleaned up and moulds for the resin parts being created from the master.

Contents

Legend Productions takes the protection of this offering very seriously with a cardboard box with a flip top lid covered in shrink wrapped plastic that creates a robust shell. When you get past that you will find one of the Legend Productions boxes with a Ziploc bag inside contining most of the parts for the figure. In addition to this there is a 2nd loose Ziploc bag containing the legs and torso and this bag is wrapped in bubble wrap. The result of this is a package that should insure that the product reaches you in the condition Legend Productions intended and will hold up to spending time in your stash well.

Review

Starting with a look at the quality of the resin mouldings provided by Legend Productions in this product results in a very happy modeller as regards the various parts. I did not find any air bubbles and voids anywhere on the parts and that includes looking at the photographs where the parts are enlarged visually. Legend Productions goes out of their way to protect fragile resin parts via the use of rails and this have done their task well. In order to get first rate castings Legend Productions does use quite large pour plugs that also help to prevent bowing of the parts, the issue with these is that sometimes they cannot avoid being placed on detailed areas of the casting but with that said Legend Productions has placed these most often in areas that will not be seen on the finished model.

Taking a look at the various parts that make up the body of the figure will make the day of most figure modellers. The body is broken up in the usual way with separate feet and hands being the only less common aspect of this figure. Looking at the shirt and trousers reveals very well done creasing of the clothing, this is realistically placed and presented being well shaped with a softness to them that is the most natural representation. The stitching is also present on the model parts even to the extent of replicating the puckering of the material in areas such as pocket flaps and overlapping material. The body armour has been well replicated on this offering with a very high level of detail; there is a pour plug that covers some of the detail on the lower rear of the vest, but this will be hidden by the added packs.

The boots have an excellent level of detail on all faces, but again the pour plug does cover some of the tread pattern on the boots but this should not be seen. The hands are cast as part of the weapons they are holding and this results in very nice grip detail between the elements. The hands are shown with gloves on them and the detail has been well done as has the wrist watch that is present. Looking at the head of this offering reveals a really well done head that even has nasal recesses present. The facial hair will require careful painting to make the most of the detail. The chin strap for the helmet and head phones are moulded as a part of the head and this has enabled a great look to the area to be provided. The helmet is nicely detailed but the plug inside the helmet will require care is taken during its removal. I also in this area want to thank Legend Productions for having supplied very positive connection points that make the correct orientation of parts very easy.

The weapons supplied with this figure are an mk.79 grenade pistol and FN. SCAR Mk.17 rifle and advanced armament Silencer, what I like about this offering from Legend Productions is that while the muzzles are not hollow they do have a recess that will make drilling easier to tackle. The rifle scope also benefits from a recessed area. The night vision goggles that attach to the helmet also have nice recesses where the lenses are and Legend Productions has provided 4 sets rather than just the two that are required on the model. A very large number of grenades for the Mk 79 grenade pistol are supplied with the model.

The backpack and various webbing items are as nicely presented as the uniform. The stitching is well replicated and is one of the details that has really caught my eye and increased the appeal of the model to me along with the zippers. The subtle creases re also very well done and are details that the really skilled figure painters will love. I will admit that I cannot identify the various items of webbing as I am out of date on the subject and so it is beyond me. The radio communications are well represented via both the pouched hand set and the folded aerial.

The instructions use the photographic approach to guide you; a style I am not a big fan of as they can be hard to follow and also result in missed parts, but the instructions here look to hit all of the marks.

Conclusion

The moulding quality of the resin is first rate and should not concern anyone worried about tackling resin. The parts are well protected and so no damaged parts should be found, if they are I have found Legend Productions to be a company that takes fixing customer issues as a priority. The instructions are well presented and should be easy to follow by most. Fit of parts should not cause any issues. The only thing to be aware of is that clean up of some parts will require a higher than usual level of care.

SUMMARY

Highs: The quality of the castings really caught my eye.Lows: Clean up of some parts and removal of the pour plugs will require a high level of care in some cases.Verdict: This is a fantastic 1/16th scale resin figure that will make a stunning piece of work for those with the skills.

Our Thanks to Legend Productions!This item was provided by them for the purpose of having it reviewed on this KitMaker Network site. If you would like your kit, book, or product reviewed, please contact us.

I have been building model kits since the early 70ís starting with Airfix kits of mostly aircraft, then progressing to the point I am at now building predominantly armour kits from all countries and time periods. Living in the middle of Salisbury plain since the 70ís, I have had lots of opportunitie...